This study examined stepcouple relationships through the framework of attachment injury. Specifically, this inquiry explored whether or not individuals who are part of a stepcouple describe relational experiences that are similar to the patterns of attachment injury; and if so, whether or not these experiences are directly attributable to stepfamily formation and maintenance. Attachment theory and existing research regarding both attachment injury and stepfamily formation contributed to the development of core interview questions. Using a multiple-case qualitative research design, interviews were conducted with five women who were both biological and stepmothers in a stepcouple relationship. The pattern matching method of data analysis was used to explore for markers of attachment injury in the stepcouple relationships. The context of the women's stories, as well as direct questions, enabled consideration of the attribution of the attachment injury markers to stepfamily formation. The respondents in this study described experiences that matched the patterns of attachment injury. In each case, at least some of the markers for attachment injury were directly attributable to the relationship difficulties these women encountered in forming and maintaining their stepfamily. Patterns of attachment injury were identified that would not have occurred had the respondents not been part of a stepcouple. These findings hold implications for continued exploration of stepcouples and the mitigation of stepfamily problems through the theoretical framework of attachment and attachment injury. / Master of Science

The current study identified attachment injuries in couples and developed a preliminary model for the resolution of attachment injuries using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). An attachment injury occurred when one partner betrayed or broke the trust of the other in a specific incident and that incident became a clinically recurring theme or stuck-point of task resolution. Couples with attachment injuries were identified by an expert clinician and the researcher. Subjects were couples with moderate to mild distress. The attachment injuries were resolved using EFT, an empirically validated approach to couples therapy. The model (N = 3) was developed using task analysis. Audiotaped segments of "best sessions" of marker events were reviewed by raters to determine change events throughout the therapy process. A rational, conceptual map of expected change was compared to an empirically developed map. The marker events emerged at the assessment, de-escalation, and resolution phases of treatment. Pre- and post-tests measured overall resolution of the attachment injury and process measures identified in-session changes. The results of this study yield a proposed theoretical model of change for couples who sustain an attachment injury. / Ph. D.